Halt of Afghanistan troop withdrawal stems from Taliban, Islamic State, al-Qaeda advances, researcher says
LAWRENCE — Two University of Kansas researchers can discuss the military and political implications of President Barack Obama's decision to halt U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and keep troops there until the end of his term.
Don Haider-Markel, a professor and chair in the Department of Political Science, said the decision likely stemmed from the Taliban's recent advances, the growth of Islamic State factions in Afghanistan and new evidence that al-Qaida still has a significance presence in the country.
Haider-Markel can speak about the political situation in the region. His research includes terrorism, public policy and American politics.
"For a president everything impacts legacy and it’s difficult to argue that isn’t on President Obama’s mind, but this decision most likely arose from a desire to prevent Afghanistan unwinding like Iraq did," Haider-Markel said, "even though it has negative implications for the president who campaigned on ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Adrian Lewis, professor of history, is available to speak about the historical significance of the decision and the military strategy behind it. His research has focused on war, national security and military affairs, especially surrounding the military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is the author of several books and has taught at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Naval War College. Lewis is a retired solider who served with the Ninth Infantry Division and the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis in Washington.
To arrange an interview with Haider-Markel or Lewis, contact George Diepenbrock at 785-864-8853 or gdiepenbrock@ku.edu.